A | B |
Sphere | three dimensional round shape |
Axis | imaginary line around which Earth spins |
Rotation | spinning on an axis |
Revolution | traveling around in orbit |
Ellipse | not quite circular path of travel |
Magnetic axis | imaginary line between magnetic North and Magnetic South poles |
Solstice | the day the sun reaches its Northernmost/Southernmost point |
Equinox | day and night are equal lengths |
Moon phases | changes in appearance of the moon due to the moon's orbit around Earth |
New moon | phase where moon appears dark |
Waxing | when the lit part of the moon is becoming more visible from night to night |
Waning | when the lit part of the moon is becoming less visible from night to night |
Crescent moon | phase where only a sliver of the moon is lit |
Full moon | phase where the entire lit side of the moon is visible |
Gibbous moon | phase where over half of the lit side of the moon is visible |
Lunar eclipse | the moon is darkened due to passing through Earth's shadow |
Solar eclipse | part of the Earth is darkened due to passing through the moon's shadow |
Umbra | darkest area of a solar eclipse |
Penumbra | lighter area of a solar eclipse |
Maria | large plains caused by volcanic eruption |